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8 March 2024 | Podcasts | Article by Kathleen Hallisey

The Failures in Police Institutions Revealed by the Sarah Everard Case


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In this episode, we delve into the serious issues brought forward by the tragic Sarah Everard case. The story of Sarah Everard, a victim of former police officer Wayne Cousins, confronts us with the frightening reality of sexual abuse committed by rogue police officers within the very institution meant to protect us. We explore this dreadful case in detail, focusing on the problematic systems that allowed Cousins to become and remain a police officer.

Given the disturbing nature of this discussion, listeners are cautioned that this topic might be upsetting. For those who are ready, we encourage you to join us as we unpack the concerns surrounding Wayne Cousins’ employment and the broader implications of this issue within the police force.

We understand that these cases can be quite distressing and heartbreaking. Still, we believe it is crucial to bring these subjects to light for changes to be made. In this case, discussion topics revolve around the recruitment, vetting, and monitoring processes of police officers as well as the culture within the police force.

From our point of view, a legal minimum standard must be set and mandatory for the recruiting, vetting, and monitoring processes of police officers. By ensuring this, we hope to prevent future cases like the devastating case of Sarah Everard.

Lastly, we hope this podcast serves as a reminder to all victims of sexual abuse to understand that they have legal rights. They deserve to be supported and heard, and they have the right to seek accountability and compensation for the damage they have suffered.

Author bio

Kathleen Hallisey

Senior Associate

Kathleen Hallisey is a Senior Associate in the Abuse Team at Hugh James.

Originally from the US, she began her legal career in New York before moving to the UK and becoming a solicitor. Throughout her career, she has exclusively acted on behalf of claimants, including those who suffered catastrophic injuries on the road or at work, were dismissed from their jobs as a result of discrimination, or sexually assaulted on university campuses.

Disclaimer: The information on the Hugh James website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. If you would like to ensure the commentary reflects current legislation, case law or best practice, please contact the blog author.

 

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